Michael Haley's Fundraiser:

Sockupy Oakland

THE STORY:

PLEASE DO NOT DONATE TO THIS PROJECT. I AM SETTING UP A DONATION WEBSITE AT http://www.sockupyoakland.org

or

If you like this idea, contact me directly at michaelchristianhaley@gmail.com

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This is a fundraiser specifically to buy socks for occupiers who are actually camping at Oscar Grant Plaza in Oakland California. I will go buy the socks at Costco (Champion brand white medium socks) for $12.99/dozen. I will then buy a pack of ziplock sandwich bags, packaging one pair in each bag (which is then a waterproof bag containing emergency socks for when it rains, if their feet are currently dry), with a small piece of paper detailing how these socks were provided (no names). I will then take these packaged socks and verify first hand that the people i give them to are part of an actual tent.

I feel that this is important because when I've talked to them on the ground, this is one of the most asked for items by actual occupiers; nobody thought to bring 20 pairs of socks, which is what you legitimately need in this situation of sustained outdoors living. It is important both for the hygiene and the health of these protestors, but also - most importantly - for their morale.

I have already done this once before I found crowdrise. I got about $60 bucks together, was able to get 4 dozen socks, ziplocks, and printing for that. I came out of my pocket for a few dollars for this deal and of course the time involved (I had one friend help me package them). ..but it was completely worth it. I went around "door to door" as it were, and drilled these guys with questions to make sure they were actual occupiers. Usually they would start to get a little annoyed, but then I asked if their feet were wet, and they realized I was carrying 2 grocery bags full of socks.. It was really nice feeling like I may have made their days easier, since I myself am not actually camping.

I will provide the time and the gas.

Every time this website raises $60, I will take a batch out. 48 socks seems like a lot, but there are hundreds of campers, and most of them legitimately need more than one pair.